Human Rights Commission welcomes Rotorua partnership model decision

Race Relations Commissioner Susan Devoy has welcomed news that Rotorua District Council has agreed to a modified version of the Te Arawa Partnership model.

“Relationships are about working with one another through the good times as well as the tough times, the Te Arawa Partnership model formalises our relationship in Rotorua.”

“I was lucky to grow up in Rotorua, an incredible community whose people – Maori, Pakeha, Indian, Chinese – look after each other. That hasn’t changed and I’m very proud of my childhood hometown today,” said Dame Susan.

“We’re not perfect, no town or community is, but today is about laying down a blueprint for our children and their children.”

“I’d like to congratulate the courage, leadership and rangatiratanga of Rotorua District Councillors as well as the more than 1,800 people who took the time to submit their views on this decision.”

Dame Susan says the Treaty of Waitangi is something all New Zealanders should be grateful for.

“175 years ago our ancestors agreed that all New Zealanders had rights and in 1840 that was a pretty revolutionary concept,” said Dame Susan.

“The Treaty is our own, uniquely Kiwi human rights document and we should all be pretty proud that this is what our nation is founded on.”

ends

© Scoop Media